Gerald E. Ledford, Jr. (CEO) argues here that the lack of attention to rewards in the lean systems literature is a mistake. Decades of academic research confirm that pay exerts powerful effects on employee attitudes and behavior.
Research and Insights Archive
Research and Insights from the Center for Effective Organizations
Available Content
Negative Effects of Extrinsic Rewards on Intrinsic Motivation: More Smoke Than Fire
Gerald E. Ledford, Jr. (CEO), Meiyu Fang (National Central University, Taiwan), and Barry Gerhart (University of Wisconsin) demonstrate that motivation research makes a basic distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. In general, researchers define intrinsic motivation as that which arises from performing the task.
Using HR Analytics for Modeling and Making Sense of Compensation, 12/12, Audio/Slides
In this webinar Alec Levenson reviewed the principles and uses of models as decision making aids, even when there is not enough time or data for doing statistical analysis.
Executive Pay: Audit Needed?
Bruce R. Ellig (Author) and Ed Lawler (CEO) discuss that like many before it, this year has seen a high level of outrage over the executive compensation payouts of some large corporations.
Performance Management and Reward Systems
Edward E. Lawler III (CEO), George S. Benson (University of Texas), and Michael McDermott (McDermott Sitzman & Associates, PC) Results from our survey provide clear guidance with respect to linking performance appraisals results to changes in pay. They strongly support the view that performance appraisals systems are more effective when there is a connection between the results of a performance appraisal and the compensation of individuals.
Missed Opportunity to Reform Executive Compensation
Edward E. Lawler III (CEO) states that the new normal with respect to executive compensation appears to be very similar to the old pre-recession normal.
Optimizing Incentive Plan Design: A Case Study
Alec R. Levenson (CEO), Cindy Zoghi (BLS), Michael Gibbs (University of Chicago), and George S. Benson (University of Texas) study effects of a firm’s attempt to optimize an existing incentive scheme to increase sales growth for direct store delivery workers.
Creating a New Employment Deal: Total Rewards and the New Workforce
Edward E. Lawler III (CEO) explains that the workforce of organizations is becoming more and more diverse, despite this most organizations offer a standard employment deal.
Rethinking Retention Strategies: Work-Life Versus Deferred Compensation in a Total Rewards Strategy
This paper by Alec R. Levenson (CEO), Michael J. Fenlon (PwC), and George Benson (University of Texas) explains a rethinking of the meaning of total rewards that led to changes that produced lasting reductions in turnover and direct bottom-line benefits.
Fixing Executive Compensation: Right Time, Wrong Approach
Edward E. Lawler III (CEO) shares that as a result of the executive compensation regulations imposed on companies taking TARP funding and the AIG bonus payments, the door has been opened for increased federal regulation of executive compensation.
Pay at the Top: When HR Makes a Difference
Edward E. Lawler III (CEO) and John W. Boudreau (CEO) state that despite its importance, relatively little is known about HR’s role in board decision making concerning executive and board compensation and executive succession.
Pay at the Top: When does HR Make a Difference?
Edward E. Lawler III (CEO) and John W. Boudreau (CEO) discuss how executive compensation, board compensation, and management succession are among the most important issues confronting corporate boards. Decisions in these areas should be informed by valid information and expert knowledge.